A statue honouring the life and legacy of Christian MP Sir David Amess has been unveiled in Southend.
The former Southend West MP was tragically murdered during a constituency meeting at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15th October 2021. Islamist Ali Harbi Ali was found guilty of his murder in 2022 and is spending his life behind bars.
The life-size statue of Sir David, a father of five who was 69 at the time of his death, stands overlooking the estuary from a grass bank by Chalkwell Esplanade. It was revealed on Thursday at an event attended by Sir David's widow, other family members, and Dame Priti Patel, the UK Home Secretary at the time of his death.
Former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe read a poignant statement from Sir David's family during the ceremony. They expressed their ongoing grief over his loss but also gratitude for events that celebrate his life.
The unveiling ceremony was marked by performances from the Music Man Project and the Orpheus Choir, two initiatives Sir David was passionate about.
MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, alongside members of the Music Man Project, unveiled the statue. Mr Rosindell also reminisced about his over 40-year friendship with Sir David, describing him as a "true friend".
The statue was blessed by Fr Jeffrey Woolnough from St Peter's Catholic Church in Eastwood, Southend—close to where Sir David was killed.
Julie Cushion, Sir David's constituency assistant, noted that the location of the statue held personal significance for Sir David who enjoyed walking his dogs there and had strong ties to local community groups like the Chalkwell Lifeguards.
The memorial statue, sculpted by Andrew Lilley, was made possible through fundraising efforts and a donation from businessman Dr Vijay Patel.
